Rail passengers in Kent are facing significant disruption this morning after a fault on the electric third rail brought services to a halt. Rail travel between Maidstone East and Ashford is disrupted due to this fault, affecting many commuters. Rail travel between Maidstone East and Ashford disrupted services are causing significant issues.
Trains between Maidstone East and Ashford International have been suspended following damage to the line at Harrietsham. Southeastern confirmed that no trains are currently able to run towards Ashford, with services in the opposite direction due to stop at 9.30am to allow emergency repairs. Rail travel between Maidstone East and Ashford remains disrupted as repairs progress slowly.
Rail replacement buses have been deployed and diversions put in place to help ease pressure on affected routes. Due to rail travel disruption between Maidstone East and Ashford, alternative arrangements are crucial.
A Southeastern spokesperson said the fault was not expected to be fixed until at least 11am, meaning commuters are advised to plan ahead and allow extra journey time.
Two key services are being diverted via Paddock Wood:
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The 8.55am service from Victoria to Ashford
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The 9.57am service from Ashford to Victoria
The disruption is adding strain to the morning rush, with Southeastern urging passengers to check live travel updates before starting their journeys.
The incident comes amid continued calls for more investment in Kent’s rail infrastructure, with commuters facing repeated delays in recent months.
Further updates are expected as Network Rail engineers continue repair work at Harrietsham. The status of rail travel between Maidstone East and Ashford disrupted affects all services until repairs are completed.
